Merseyside cancer services to move from Wirral to Liverpool's Royal Hospital in £94m scheme
Source: Liverpool Dailt Post 27 October 2011
A £94m plan to transfer Merseyside’s cancer services from Wirral to the Royal LiverpoolHospital site was revealed last night.
Health chiefs described it as "a once-in-a-generation opportunity" to radically enhance cancer care.
The Daily Post reported in July how a plan to transfer Clatterbridge Centre for Oncology to Liverpool was being discussed.
But last night the hospitals released more information about the proposal.
A satellite centre will remain in Wirral for outpatient chemotherapy and radiotherapy – and Clatterbridge will run the Liverpool site.
A joint statement said: "The proposed investment in the region’s cancer services would see Clatterbridge Centre for Oncology expand its services to create a world-class cancer centre on the same campus as the new Royal Liverpool Hospital by 2017.
"The investment will enhance the patient experience and improve outcomes for patients from across the region."
Commissioners will decide whether to support the proposal at a regional Primary Care Trust (PCT) board meeting next Wednesday.
A further meeting will discuss funding a week later. Board papers said: "Clatterbridge Centre for Oncology’s base in Bebington is not centrally located for the population it serves, with 67% of the population living north of the River Mersey.
"The main base is isolated from other specialist cancer services and cannot provide acute services, such as intensive care for the sickest of patients.
"The Royal site is shared with the University of Liverpool’s School of Cancer Studies, Cancer Research UK and the Clatterbridge Cancer Research laboratories, forming a bio-campus of innovation and collaboration.
"Only Clatterbridge remains physically isolated.
"All patients, including those from Wirral and western Cheshire, will benefit from greater participation in international-standard research and clinical trials.
"The board at the Merseyside Cluster has recognised these proposals should be considered as a once-in-a- generation opportunity to enhance radically cancer care for the people of Cheshire and Merseyside."
The report also states that the current site has not critical care facilities, which are needed for very complex chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments.
The Royal also employs the biggest number of specialist cancer doctors in the region.
The proposal was first put to the Merseyside and Cheshire primary care boards in 2008 by cancer specialist Professor Mark Baker.
His report said most oncology services "should be relocated from Clatterbridge to Liverpool". Alison McGovern, MP for Wirral South, said she supported the plan but wants to make sure the services left in Wirral do not suffer.
She Said: "It is my belief that these plans offer an opportunity to make sure people get the best cancer service within their area. There are however many unanswered questions relating to the funding of this development." and what clinical improvements will be secured."
The papers reveal consultancy Pricewaterhouse Coopers carried out an "affordability study" on the scheme in autumn last year.
It was estimated a stand- alone cancer centre would cost £116.5m and a cancer centre with shared services with the Royal £105.2m.
After work with both trusts, a proposal was reached with a lower cost of £94.5m.
The hospitals’ statement added: "Clatterbridge Centre for Oncology will continue to deliver chemotherapy, radiotherapy and outpatient services from the Clatterbridge site for Wirral and west Cheshire patients.
"The proposal is still in its early stages and a business case will be developed, informed by public and stakeholder engagement, over the next 12-18 months.
"Formal public consultation will take place once a business case has demonstrated its affordability and has been approved by Clatterbridge Centre for Oncology and its commissioners."
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